Downhill Gradients; Heavy And Light Loads; Wet Road Surfaces; Limited Braking Performance On Salt-Treated Roads - SMART Fortwo Owner's Manual

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I
Driving tips
If
you reset the data in the eco score dis-
play, then the data in the
from start
trip computer is also reset automati-
cally
(I>
page 142).
For further information on the eco score
display, see
(I>
page 143) .
Braking
Important safety notes
it
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's
braking effect, the drive wheels could lose
their grip. This increases the risk of skid-
ding and having an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
Change into a lower gear in good time on
l ong and steep downhill gradients. Take
particular note of this when driving a
laden vehicle.
0
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or the speed limiter.
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so less braking will be required to
prevent the vehicle from gaining speed.
This relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads
it
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you
leave your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This increases the braking dis-
tance and could even cause the braking sys-
tem to fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while dri v-
ing.
U
Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear
to the brake pads.
If
heavy demands are made on the brakes, do
not park the vehicle immediately. Drive on
for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
If the brakes have been used only moder-
ately, you should occasionally test their
effectiveness. To do this, brake more
firmly from a higher speed, paying atten-
tion to traffic conditions. This improves
the grip of the brakes.
Wet road surfaces
If
you have driven for a long time in heavy
rain without braking, there may be a
delayed reaction from the brakes when
braking for the first time. This may also
occur after a car wash or after driving
through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from
the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firm ly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions . This
will warm up the brake discs, thereby dry-
ing them more quickly and protecting them
against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salt-treated roads, a layer
of salt may form on the brake discs and
pads. This can increase the braking dis-
tance considerably.
• Brake occasionally to remove any salt
that may have started to build up. Ensure

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